Rule 13: losing the point

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

When do you lose a point in padel?

A pair loses the point in the following cases:

• a) If a player, their racket or any object they are carrying touches any part of the net (including the posts) or the ground of the opposing half (including the metal mesh) while the ball is in play.

• b) In authorised play outside the court: above 0.92 metres, the vertical post between the doorways counts as a neutral zone for all four players.

• c) If the ball bounces a second time before being returned.

• d) Without authorised play outside the court: when the ball, after bouncing correctly in the player’s own half, goes out above the upper limits of the court or through the doorway.

• e) With authorised play outside the court: when the ball goes out over the back wall. If it goes out over the side wall or through the doorway, the point is lost when it bounces a second time or touches an external object.

• f) If a player returns the ball before it has crossed the net.

• g) If a player returns the ball in such a way that, without bouncing first, it strikes any of the walls of the opposing half, the metal mesh or any object foreign to the court.

• h) If the ball hits the net or its posts and then, directly, any of the walls of the opposing half or the metal mesh.

• i) If a player strikes the ball twice in succession (a double hit).

• j) If, after striking the ball, it touches the player themselves, their partner or any object they are carrying.

• k) If the ball strikes either member of the pair or their equipment (other than the racket) after being struck by an opposing player.

• l) If a player strikes the ball and it touches any of the metal mesh or the ground of their own half.

• m) If a player touches the ball by throwing the racket at it.

• n) If a player jumps over the net while the point is in play.

• o) If both players of a pair strike the ball simultaneously or consecutively (only one player may strike when returning). Note: it is not deemed a double hit when two players attempt to strike simultaneously but only one strikes the ball and the other strikes their partner’s racket.

• p) If a player strikes the ball inside the court with one or both feet, or any part of their body, outside the playing area (unless play outside the court is authorised).

• q) The player commits a fault on their second serve.

• r) If a player’s safety cord breaks or the racket slips from their hand, the pair immediately loses the point in play.